RJD condoles Vajpayee's death

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav on Friday condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Lalu described the passing of Vajpayee as an "end of an era in Indian politics". The RJD chief, on Twitter, wrote, "I lost a friend and guardian with the passing away of Vajpayee Ji. He was the last pillar of that politics which led people of different ideology to have a comfortable and pleasant dialogue."

Lalu was active in Bihar politics when Vajpayee was the prime minister. But the two leaders, despite different political views, shared a good rapport. "You will be missed," said Lalu in his eulogy.

His son, Tejashwi said that Vajpayee's death has "left a huge void in Indian politics which future generations will keep on struggling to fill, for the ages to come."

The party spokesperson Manoj Jha also expressed grief and tweeted, "Good Bye Atalji!There can't be a better tribute to you than what you had paid to Jawaharlalji. RIP Sir! We were opposed to your political philosophy but we learnt from you that differences could be civil and beautiful as well. Jai Hind."

Shortly after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, Vajpayee gave a glowing tribute to India's first prime minister, saying that Bharat Mata is filled with grief today as she has lost her favourite prince and the poor their refuge.